Sideload Apps on Google TV and Android TV

Google TV and Android TV are both built on Android, so they can install APK files just like a phone. Google hides the setting a couple of menus deep, and the TV has no file manager or browser that can download files out of the box. Once you know the steps, it takes about three minutes. This guide covers the Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV, televisions with Google TV built in, and Android TV boxes such as the Nvidia Shield. Setting up a new Streamer first? See our Google TV Streamer setup guide.

Step 1: Unlock developer mode

1. Open Settings (the gear icon at the top right of the home screen).
2. Go to System › About.
3. Scroll down to Android TV OS build and press Select on the remote seven times.
4. A message confirms “You are now a developer!”. You may be asked for your PIN.

On older Android TV devices the path is Settings › Device Preferences › About › Build.

Step 2: Install a downloader or file manager

You need an app that can fetch files and open them. Install one of these from the Play Store on the TV:

• Downloader by AFTVnews — the easiest choice. Type an address and it downloads and opens the file. See our Downloader guide.
• File Commander, X-plore or FX File Explorer — file managers that can also open APK files copied from a USB stick or network share.

Step 3: Allow that app to install apps

Android gives install permission to one app at a time. Grant it only to the installer you use.

1. Go to Settings › Apps › Security & restrictions › Unknown sources.
2. Switch on the app you installed in step 2.

On some models the path is Settings › Privacy › Security & restrictions › Unknown sources, or Settings › Device Preferences › Security & restrictions. If you skip this step, the TV will prompt you the first time you try to install, with a shortcut to the right screen.

Step 4: Download and install the app

1. Open Downloader and enter the address of the APK. For Live NetTV, follow our Android TV install guide.
2. When the download finishes, choose Install.
3. If Google Play Protect shows a warning, read what Play Protect warnings mean before continuing.
4. Choose Done, then delete the APK to save space.

Finding sideloaded apps on Google TV

Google TV's home screen shows recommendations rather than a full app list, and sideloaded apps do not always appear on it. To find them:

• Go to the Apps tab, scroll to Your apps and select See all.
• Or open Settings › Apps › See all apps and choose the app, then Open.
• Once open, the app appears under Your apps. Highlight it, hold Select and choose Move to put it near the front.

Apps designed only for phones may not show up on the TV launcher at all. That is why it matters to install the TV build of an app when one exists.

Other ways to get files onto the TV

USB stick

Copy the APK to a USB drive on a computer, plug it into the TV or box, and open it with a file manager. The Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer need a USB-C hub for this.

Send Files to TV

The free Send Files to TV app, installed on both your phone and your TV, transfers files over your home Wi-Fi. It is handy when an APK is already on your phone.

Storage on Google TV devices

The Chromecast with Google TV has only 8 GB of storage, and about 4.5 GB of it is usable. Delete APK files after installing and clear app caches regularly under Settings › Apps. The Google TV Streamer has 32 GB, which is far more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions